A call for action

So, Randy Babbitt has been confirmed as FAA Administrator, but from our view on the inside, nothing has changed and the FAA is still on the path set by Bush lackeys Blakey and Sturgell.

The FAA is ready to split the Memphis Tower and TRACON in a few days. If Administrator Babbitt plans to follow in Blakey's footsteps and continue to watch the virtual demolition of our National Airspace System, he needs only to sit idly by and watch.

However, if the new Administrator truly wants to resolve the bitter labor dispute that has resulted in experienced air traffic controllers retiring prematurely when they are most needed, he had better get off his butt and stop the madness.

Take the time to tell Randy Babbitt that a change in the FAA culture of taking unilateral action without involving the stakeholders needs to happen today.

The FAA has neither consulted or collaborated with NATCA or any stakeholders on any realignment projects. The FAA's process for moving ahead with these projects, or determining their viability, is random and secretive. NATCA's response to these and all realignment efforts is to get the FAA to stop work on these projects until all realignments can be run through a consistent, transparent process that includes all stakeholders, ensures safety and integrity of the system, and actually provides any claimed cost savings.

- The FAA has been pushing ahead with the realignment of air traffic facilities and services despite the fact that a majority of Congress opposes the FAA's secretive, seemingly random process.

- H.R. 915 (The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2009) recently passed the House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support. This bill contains language that would create a transparent, consistent process for all facility and service realignments.

- The process created in H.R. 915 ensures that all realignments are fiscally responsible, do not compromise safety, and take into account the position of all affected stakeholders.

You can use this link to send an email and make a difference.

This is the time to bring sanity back to the FAA.